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Abstract

An apparatus and method for determining a location and an orientation of an underground boring tool by employment of a radar-like probe and detection technique. The boring tool is provided with a device which generates a specific signature signal in response to a probe signal transmitted from above the ground. Cooperation between the probe signal transmitter at ground level and the signature signal generating device provided at the underground boring tool results in accurate detection of the boring tool location and, if desired, orientation, despite the presence of a large background signal. Precision detection of the boring tool location and orientation enables the operator to accurately locate the boring tool during operation and, if provided with a directional capacity, avoid buried obstacles such as utilities and other hazards. The signature signal produced by the boring tool may be generated either passively or actively, and may be a microwave or an acoustic signal. Further, the signature signal may be produced in a manner which differs from that used to produce the probe signal in one or more ways, including timing, frequency content, information content, or polarization.

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First Claim